Cosmetology at University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology

The $11,050 first-year earnings from this program rank at the 25th percentile among Arkansas cosmetology schools—meaning three-quarters of similar programs in the state produce better outcomes. That gap is substantial when you consider the state median is $14,450, or about $3,400 more annually. Among the 33 Arkansas cosmetology programs tracked, several alternatives like Arkansas Beauty School-Little Rock ($21,161) nearly double these earnings while working in the same labor market. The 19% earnings growth over four years brings graduates to just $13,160, still well below what most competitors deliver in year one.

The $10,912 debt load might seem manageable in absolute terms, but it nearly equals first-year earnings—a ratio that's problematic for an entry-level service profession. Given that 77% of students here receive Pell grants, most families are financing training that leads to earnings below minimum wage equivalent for full-time work. While the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual outcomes could vary, the pattern is concerning: this program ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally among cosmetology certificates.

For families investing in cosmetology training in Arkansas, the data suggests looking elsewhere. Multiple programs in the state deliver substantially higher starting wages with similar debt loads, which matters enormously when you're building a client base and covering living expenses in those crucial first years.